Speech by the German Chancellor.

Manawatu Herald, 29 November 1892, Page 2

Speech by the German Chancellor.

Count Von Oaprivi introduced the Aimy Bill in the Reichstag in a sp» ech which lasted two hours. He disclaimed any idea of a warlike

policy, and warmly repelled the idea that the increase asked for was for the purpose of provoking war. On the contrary, thoy wished to secure a long peace. Geimany wanted no increase of territory, but he felt it his duty to point out the dangers that confronted them, both on the eastern and Western frontiers. The French army already outnumbered the German, and the disparity was increasing every year. It was impossible to ignore the French love of war, and their desire, eventually growing stronger, to conclude alli- ! ances, not for defence, but purely in order to revise the map of Europe. Though Germany was on good terms with Eussia, fierce forces were operating there which might drive the Czar, lover of peace as he was, into war with Germany. He (the speaker) was convinced that the next Russan war would be conducted on the western frontier. Though there was no immediate danger, if the rapproachement between France and Russia were converted into an alliance there would be great risk. Hence Germany could not surrender Alsace and Lorraine, or abandon its relations with Austria and Italy Re contended that as a matter of fact the troops of the Triple Alliance were not equal to the combined French and Russian armies He was aware that any request for an increase in the forces was bound to produce ill-feeling, but a war with Russia at the present moment would find Germany unprepaied. The Bill might possibly be unwelcome, but a defeat would be worse. Germany was not so supreme as in 1870. He dwelt forcibly on the extraordinary strength of the French fortifications, and those of Paris, which was now the strongest fortress in the world.

The Reichstag received the Chancellor's speech coldly, and wifeh evident scepticism.

Count Von Caprivi, in his speech, denied Prince Von Bismarck's statement that Germany hastened the war in 1870. — Press Association.